The Battalion - April 3, 2019 by The Battalion

Hot time in Austin

Cassie Stricker— THE BATTALION

With 14 hits, two doubles and two home runs on the night, the Aggies earned a victory on the road during the rivary game against Texas on Tuesday.

Aggies shut down Longhorns’ hope of comeback in Tuesday’s rivalry game By Angel Franco @angelmadison_ AUSTIN — Two days before the Texas A&M-Texas game at UFCU Disch-Falk Field, junior catcher Mikey Hoehner thought a groin injury might keep him out of Tuesday night’s rivalry game. However, come gametime, Hoehner decided he felt healthy enough to play. “I was ready to go,” Hoehner said. “I was like ‘We’ll risk it, and if it feels bad I’ll get pulled out.’”

Hoehner played a key role in helping the No. 9 Aggies past the No. 12 Longhorns 9-6, after his two run home run to left field in the second inning ignited the A&M dugout for the remainder of the game. Since A&M baseball is one of the few Aggie teams to face longtime rival Texas, everyone wants to play – no matter what obstacles they face. According to A&M head coach Rob Childress, he didn’t write the starting lineup until about an hour before the game started. “They needed to go through pre-game [warm ups],” Childress said. “They were the ones that came up and said they were ready to go and wanted the opportunity to play tonight.”

Childress said the second inning changed the momentum of the game in favor of the Aggies, after Texas scored in the bottom of the first to take the early 1-0 lead. “We gave up a run in the bottom of the first and Texas had all the momentum,” Childress said. “For us to come back and answer was incredibly huge.” A&M scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning, extending its lead to 9-6 before heading into the bottom of the ninth. Logan Foster singled to center which allowed two A&M baserunners to score, with two outs on the board. UT had cut the Aggies’ lead to one run in the bottom of the eighth inning after freshman first baseman Hunter Watson mishandled

a ball at first base, getting the Longhorns within one run, 7-6. In the bottom of the seventh inning, UT’s Michael McCann launched a three-run home run into the A&M bullpen to cut into A&M’s lead 7-5. In the top of the sixth inning, A&M extended its lead after Jonathan Ducoff singled and advanced on an error by Texas left fielder Eric Kennedy, which allowed Braden Shewmake and Cam Blake to score. Texas responded in the bottom half of the sixth inning adding a run, making the game 7-2. In the top of the fourth, A&M added to its lead after an RBI double off the bat of BASEBALL ON PG. 4

Kaylee Cogbill — THE BATTALION

Kaylee Cogbill— THE BATTALION

Freshman infielder Kayla Garcia went 3-for-4 and had two runs against Texas Southern.

The 15th annual Shack-A-Thon began at 8 a.m. Monday and continues through noon on Thursday. Fourteen organizations built shacks of different sizes and themes for the event.

Streak continues Campus shacks raise money, awareness at Davis Diamond Students support Aggie Habitat for Humanity with four-day fundraiser By Kaley Smith @KaleySmith1799 To bring attention to housing insecurity, Aggie Habitat for Humanity is hosting its 15th annual Shack-A-Thon. Held in front of Kyle Field in the Zone Plaza, Shack-A-Thon consists of organizations who pay for and build shacks to reside in for the remainder of the event. The construction of shacks began at 8 a.m. on Monday, and will be taken down by noon on Thursday. All proceeds from Shack-AThon aid Aggie Habitat in their effort to

raise $60,000 each year to provide a home for those in need in the Bryan-College Station area. Allied health sophomore and director of public relations for Aggie Habitat Gyllian Navarro said Shack-A-Thon promotes an understanding of the community and aims to improve the housing situation in the B-CS area. “Aggie Habitat focuses on building the community and helping raise awareness toward substandard housing and making sure everyone has a home,” Navarro said. “Shack-A-Thon is a fun way to get awareness out there that people are living in substandard housing. … Building the shacks gives a visual of our message.” Navarro said Shack-A-Thon is one of two

of the largest fundraisers hosted by Aggie Habitat. Last year, through Shack-A-Thon alone, Aggie Habitat raised $15,000. Aggie Habitat members also helped build the house that they raised money for. Navarro said her experience participating in the construction of a home was fulfilling. “I always feel that giving gives you more happiness than receiving,” Navarro said. “I really loved building that house because it went to an amazing family. Seeing the joy on the little boys face when he got to see his own room was priceless.” Fourteen organizations are participating in the 2019 Shack-A-Thon. Each organization chooses a size — half, full or double — and a theme for their shack.

By Giselle Warren @GiselleWarren6

PROVIDED

Alejandro Orsi and his international research team are testing the temperature and carbon content of the ocean.

Oceanography professor Alejandro Orsi is leading an international team of scientists, two of which are current A&M students. For 40 days starting Wednesday, Orsi will be leading the I6S Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographic Investigation Program (GO-SHIP) in the south-

By Hannah Underwood @hannahbunderwoo

western portion of the Indian Ocean to test water samples in order to analyze climate change in the past decade. The researchers will be testing the seawater for a range of things, including heat content and how much carbon has been absorbed by the ocean. Seeing how much more carbon has been sequestered by the ocean in the past decade is a direct sign of how much carbon has been released into the atmosphere, Orsi said. With this new information, researchers can look to the ocean

In just one night, Davis Diamond saw 21 Aggie runs — boosting confidence through the young team. The Texas A&M softball team extended its win streak to seven on Tuesday with a double header sweep against Texas Southern University. With the win, the Aggies move to 24-13 on the season. The Aggies had a hot third inning in game two, scoring six times to top the Tigers 13-2. Junior outfielder Blake-Ann Fritsch batted in freshman Taudrea Sinnie with a single to center field to kick off the scoring bout. The inning also saw four unearned runs. A&M head coach Jo Evans said the team’s ability to garner and keep momentum was crucial. “We’ve needed that,” Evans said. “We’ve struggled to score runs lately and it was nice to see us hit through the lineup. The bottom of our order is doing a really nice job. Kayla Garcia has been a real spark plug for us in the lineup.” Garcia, a freshman infielder, earned two runs on two hits in game one but had only a hit in the second game. A&M’s scoring barrage continued into the fourth inning, as the Aggies scored six runs on five hits. Evans said the dominant wins over Texas Southern will help instill confidence in the team moving into the weekend.

RESEARCH ON PG. 3

SOFTBALL ON PG. 4

SHACK-A-THON ON PG. 2

Aggies in Antarctica A&M professor, students embark on research trip

Aggie softball continues dominance with victory against Texas Southern

LIFE&ARTS

The Battalion | 4.3.19

Creative Commons

Keagan Miller’s top five cult classics include “Clerks,” “Heathers,” “Trainspotting,” “Dazed and Confused” and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

Keagan Miller’s top five cult classics Keagan Miller

@KeaganMlr

hen filmmakers release movies, they intend for them to be popular. The title of blockbuster is typically one of the most coveted, and films are judged based on financial success. But for some niche filmmakers and some unique fans, there is a loftier goal; a higher title than blockbuster. It is the cult classic. A cult classic is usually defined as a film with a relatively small group of die-hard fans. These films tend to be relatively unknown, usually have smaller budgets than blockbusters and are unique in a way that endears a tight-knit group of fanatics but fails to attract a mainstream audience. Cult classics vary in genre, style and general strangeness, and what may be considered a great cult movie by some could be viewed as garbage by others. This list attempts to compromise between the bizarre and the

popular to bring you the top five films you may never have heard of. 5. “Clerks” Now this is a funny film. “Clerks” tells the story of a convenience store clerk who hates his job, hates his customers and hates his life. Throughout the course of the black and white 1994 release, the characters get into some pretty serious philosophical discussion. The film is a masterpiece of dry humor, and it’s no secret why it has earned cult status over the years. 4. “Heathers” This is an odd film. It starts off, like any other 80s high school film, by introducing the evil, popular clique. The first twist of this film is that the main character is kind of one of them. The second twist comes when she half-accidentally gets wrapped up in several murder plots. It’s the kind of movie that starts weird and gets much weirder. However stars Winona Ryder and Christian Slater do an excellent job bringing this dark comedy to life.

3. “Trainspotting” This film, featuring Ewan McGregor’s breakout role as a heroin addict frustrated with society and his own life, is a brilliant and chilling representation of life as an addict. Complete with dead babies, cold sweats and very nasty toilets, this film gives audiences a look into a life few have ever wished they could have. The film’s many unforgettable moments have earned it a cult following. 2. “Dazed and Confused” This film doesn’t have a story in the traditional sense of the word. It doesn’t have main characters either. Instead, it shows audiences a vignette. A snapshot of one night in the lives of many people within a small town. It refuses to follow one person more than any others, and it refuses to have an overarching plot that spans characters. “Dazed and Confused” and its young ensemble cast simply tells the story of the last day of school in a small town. That day and the following night look different for everyone involved, and there are a million little stories that take place throughout the

Ask Lexi: Tips for life

Life and Arts writer offers advice about internships, crushes and staying motivated Lexi Ellis @lexiellis10 Dear Lexi: Recently I’ve found it hard to stay motivated. At the moment, things feel out of place, and lately when I’m faced with tasks that I would normally knocked out of the park, I get scared. I’m having trouble finding motivation for basic things like going to class and studying. How should I overcome this current rut? I honestly suggest making an appointment with Student Counseling Service. Anyone who is feeling these things should take care of their mental health as a number one priority and talk to a professional. I also want to encourage you. You’re at Texas A&M, the best university to ever exist! I don’t know any other details about you, but you should be proud of yourself for taking the initiative to come to college and better yourself. Feeling unmotivated is normal, and we all have times where we feel tired or nervous about the future. But since this is something really persisting, I think talking to a counselor could really help. There’s no shame in it, and I’ll prove it by saying it in the paper: I’ve gone, and it was so helpful! I sincerely hope you find the motivation to do this, and I wish you the best in school and in life! Love, Lexi.

I have a long distance crush. Do you think it’s possible to make something like that work either now or in the future? Long distance is THE WORST. Been there, done that, not going back. It really depends on how much this person means to you and how well you know them. How often would you realistically see each other? I don’t mean to come off as harsh, but if you’ve never dealt with distance before, it’s hard to know how much of a burden it really and truly is. If it’s just a crush, I say wait it out and if it’s meant to be in the future, you can make it happen after college. In fact, I encourage trying in the future if you end up living near one another. Otherwise, enjoy your years at A&M instead of yearning for something unattainable. I hope you soon find love and happiness with the guy/girl you belong with! Love, Lexi. I’m considering joining a fraternity next year, but I’m not sure if there are enough benefits to justify the cost. Is there any advice you can give me to help me decide? My personal advice is to go through rush and see how you like it. If you don’t like it, just drop before you either get initiated or pay dues. It sounds kind of shady, but there’s not a way to know until you try. I personally love being involved in Greek life and think it is a very fun and worthwhile organization. There are definitely plenty of networking opportunities that can help

you in any career field, and it is something that you identify with for the rest of your life unlike a basic men’s org. You should do some research about exact costs, what kind of guys are in each frat, which one you would want to join and go from there! Good luck! I hope you have a wonderful experience and find a welcoming brotherhood! Love, Lexi Lexi, I don’t know what to do about summer internships. I haven’t heard back from any of the ones I applied to and I have to let my current boss know soon if I’ll be leaving over the summer. I really don’t want to waste my break, so what’s the best thing I can do to make sure I make the most of my summer? Rough, tough, real stuff… Hopefully your boss is understanding and you can let them know your situation. You could also send a follow-up email to the internship and let them know you need an answer to make arrangements with your current job. If you’re worried about wasting your summer and you don’t get the internship, you can work or take classes. They don’t have to be boring community college summer classes either. You can learn graphic design, photoshop or other valuable job skills! You can spend the summer gaining important, technical hard skills to add to your resume. Research places that offer these things and go from there! I hope you get your dream internship! Love, Lexi.

movie. The film is an experience, and it may be one of the best, most unique movies I’ve ever seen. It earns its place near the top of this list. 1. “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” This film is a little more well-known than some of the others on this list. Nonetheless, I think it qualifies as a cult classic for its many highly-quotable moments alone. This is a hilarious film from beginning to end; truly one of the greatest comedies ever made. From the Black Knight to the Knights Who Say Ni, to the Sorcerer Tim and the Killer Rabbit, Monty Python’s masterpiece is filled with crazy characters and impossible-to-forget lines. This film has earned itself a very large cult following by many fans who can’t get enough of the wacky world of Arthur, King of the Britons. Without a doubt, this film deserves the number one spot. Keagan Miller is a psychology junior and columnist for The Battalion.

SHACK-A-THON CONTINUED One of this year’s shacks, constructed by freshman leadership organization Fish Council, was painted with the iconic striped design of Whataburger, complete with a maroon stripe to match the College Station locations. “We are building a double shack even though we are the smallest FLO,” business freshman and Fish Council ambassador Sam Crockett said. “We based our shack design on Whataburger, God love Whataburger. We chose Whataburger because [it] is the place we always go after all the meetings or after any social events we have.” The freshman leadership organization FLASH chose to decorate their shack based on board games, nuclear engineering sophomore and mentor of the FLASH giveback committee Zach Jones said. “There are six committees, so each committee picked a different board game,” Jones said. “We’ve got Candy Land, Sorry, Operation, Life, Monopoly and Cards Against Humanity. Every committee put their names on the shack by different characters in the board game to represent who they are.” Shack-A-Thon features different events throughout the week and has dinner served each night. Monday included a capture the flag game followed by performances from Percussion Studio, Freudian Slip and Swaram Acapella. Tuesday consisted of games and a documentary. Today there will be a rock-paper-scissors tournament, scavenger hunt and advocacy speakers. “We did something new this year where we have a Shack Olympics,” Navarro said. “We have a bunch of different games that we put together that are team-oriented. At the end of the week, whoever has the most amount of points will win a trophy.” The importance of team building and an awareness of substandard housing attracts many organizations, Jake Beaird, an environmental design sophomore and counselor for Freshman Organizing and Running Mixed Events (FORME) said. “Shack-A-Thon really builds unity in the organization; there’s a lot of work put into the shack,” Beaird said. “ShackA-Thon is a great opportunity for team building. It gets a lot of people involved and teaches you how to time manage when trying to get the Shack done as fast as you can. You also get a bit of insight into what it’s like to step out of your dorm or a nice house and live in a plywood shack.”

AGGIELAND 2018

here

Texas A&M University Vol. 116

2018AGGIELAND It’s not too late to order your copy of the 2018 Aggieland, a photojournalistic record of the 2017-2018 school year. The 116th edition of Texas A&M’s official yearbook. Go Online to aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-845-2613 to make your purchase. $75.00 + Tax (Includes Mail Fee) Come by office L400 of the MSC and skip the mail fee charge.

Megan Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief Luke Henkhaus, Managing Editor Jordan Burnham, News Editor Sanna Bhai, Asst. News Editor Henry Mureithi, Asst. News Editor Kathryn Whitlock, Life & Arts Editor Hannah Falcon, Life & Arts Editor Samantha Mahler, Life & Arts Editor Jane Turchi, Special Sections Editor

Angel Franco, Sports Editor Abigail Ochoa, Sports Editor Cassie Stricker, Photo Chief Meredith Seaver, Asst. Photo Chief Daoud Qamar, Video Editor Kevin Christman, Video Editor Brady Stone, Page Designer Sydney Clark, Page Designer

THE BATTALION is published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the 2019 spring semester (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media,a unit of the Division of StudentAffairs.Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising call 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.

NEWS

The Battalion | 4.3.19

Honoring the Bush legacy Proposed bill would create coins to remember 41st president, first lady By Giselle Warren @GiselleWarren16

Creative Commons

A senate bill backed by five senators, including Texas senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, calls for the U.S. Mint to create coins in honor of the late George and Barbara Bush.

RESEARCH CONTINUED to see how the Earth’s atmosphere is changing. “The goal of this proposal, this program, is to understand how the ocean is changing,” Orsi said. “How, meaning what mechanisms, what interactions with the atmosphere and the ice and the ocean floor. Where are those relevant processes that pass one thing from one system to another, because understanding that will allow [us to] then to plug in those parameters in the American models and see how the whole earth will evolve in the future given certain observations like the ones we are

observing now.” Of the 27 researchers aboard, there are only six students, two of whom are studying at Texas A&M — ocean engineering senior Loicka Baille and oceanography graduate student Garrett Walsh. During the trip, Baille will focus on Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) instrument analysis using samples of seawater. Baille said being one of only six students selected out of a huge pool of applicants, is a major opportunity, especially as an undergraduate. “It’s a huge honor,” Baille said. “I know it was very selective, I know they had wonderful candidates applying, and I am really apprecia-

Politicians are looking to memorialize the impact of late President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush with special edition coins. The President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush Dollar Coin Act would require $1 coins issued during 2019 to honor George H.W. Bush, and bullion coins from 2019 would be made in honor of Barbara Bush. The bill was introduced to the House of Representatives in December and was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. Backed by Republican senator Susan Collins of Maine, independent senator Angus King of Maine and GOP senators Ted Cruz, John Cornyn of Texas and Rob Portman of Ohio, the bill is meant to celebrate the Bush’s impact in U.S. history. “Senators Cruz and Cornyn introduced this bill to honor President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, who gave our nation, two lifetimes of public service, philanthropy and a deep sense of patriotism,” a Cruz spokesman said. “The last members of the Greatest Generation to call the White House home, George and Barbara exemplified that greatness in their public lives, their devotion to family and the deep affection they earned in the hearts of Texans and all their fellow Americans.” Director of marketing and communica-

tive of my professor for choosing me. It’s a big step. The people I will be working with have so much more knowledge than I do, and I’m just eager to be in this great team and learn as much as I can.” Orsi’s research is acquiring international attention because it is helping to predict future climate change around the world. According to associate professor of oceanography Achim Stössel, having an A&M professor leading such an important and selective research team credits both A&M and the oceanography department as leaders in research. “We have these multi-institutional expeditions at this time, so of course it’s nice to

tions for the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum David Anaya said the coin would help honor the former president and keep his memory alive among the American public. “We had a lot of correspondence that came to us that was very positive about President Bush, not only stories, but people who didn’t know much about him who learned about him during his passing,” Anaya said. “With the funeral proceedings on national TV, a lot of people renewed their interest in President Bush and his life and his legacy and his service to our nation. And I think with these coins out there, people will be able to see them and feel them and feel a part of that.” Warren Finch, director of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, said it is important for Bush to be remembered in this way. “It’s a great way to honor George Bush, to put out a coin with his likeness on it,” Finch said. “He’s the last of the World War II generation who was president of the United States and I think it’s a great honor.” Anaya said the coin symbolizes what the president did to shape many American lives and that people want his influence and legacy to be remembered, even through something as simple as a coin. “President Bush and Barbara meant so much to our nation for so long, and I think this is just one way that some people in our federal government just want to honor them and thank them for their life of public service and sacrifice,” Anaya said. “The presidential library, even though President Bush has passed, will continue to promote his life and legacy the best we can as we’ve done in the past.”

have one of our professors being the chief scientist on this particular cruise,” Stössel said. “[This] enhances our visibility in a national and international collaboration, so that’s the main thing.” For Orsi, being a part of this team also means he can pass on the knowledge he has acquired over his lifetime of research to a new generation of oceanographers. “I feel like I am not alone; like I have a reputation to maintain,” Orsi said. “I hope that we can pass that on to the next generation. I would really like to retire knowing there is somebody, or multiple people, doing what I love to do in the Antarctic.”

classifieds

Place an ad Phone 979.845.0569 Suite L400, Memorial Student Center Texas A&M University

FOR RENT 102 Redmond for rent August '19'20. 4bd/2bth with plenty of room for roommates! Check out the listing on zillow.com! 832-628-4351 3bd/3ba duplex, big backyard, close to campus, pets allowed, call 979-693-4900. Affordable 1bd apartment with granite, close to campus, on TAMU bus route, call 979-693-4900. Brand new 1bd/1ba, walking distance to campus, call 979-693-4900.

thebatt.com

When to call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day

FOR RENT For rent/sublet: Spacious and comfortable 3bd/2bth house, 1700sqft. Open kitchen/dining area, w&d included, carpeted rooms, ceiling fans in every room. 2-car garage, storage shed in spacious backyard, gas fireplace, built-in shelving. $1300/mo or $430/person. Must see! 832-287-8092 For rent/sublet: Spacious and comfortable 3bd/2bth house, 1700sqft. Open kitchen/dining area, w&d included, carpeted rooms, ceiling fans in every room. 2-car garage, storage shed in spacious backyard, gas fireplace, built-in shelving. $1200/mo until renewal date of 8/1. 832-287-8092

SPECIAL

see ads at thebatt.com

Private Party Want ads

$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.

FOR RENT 4/4 for $1460/mo and 5/4 for $1650/mo at Harvest Dr College Station. Available August 1st. 936-276-8932 Less then a mile from campus, fully furnished, only $500/per room, call 979-693-4900. Luxury condo, close to campus, brand new, granite countertops, with wood floors, contact 979-693-4900.

FOR SALE Futon for sale; Never used; queen size; wood; located in Castlegate in College Station. 713-594-0047

HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $75-$150/hr, up to $500/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com

HELP WANTED Part-time cleaning, day and evening, Monday-Friday. Call 979-823-1614 for interview. Local hvac company looking for summer part-time help for secretary and installer positions. Pay based on experience. 979-778-9990 or biz@jginnovativeservices.com Looking to get real-estate license or have license but looking for a company to work for? Call 979-693-4900 or send resume to curtis@aafbcs.com Part-time office help needed. Hours are 8-1 or 11-5. Apply in person. 3016 East Villa Maria. Immediate opening. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring for our Street Team. Work around your class schedule on campus! Interested applicants should come by our office located in the MSC, Suite 400, from 8am-4pm, for more information Ask to speak with Joseph.

ANSWERS

to todays puzzles

HELP WANTED Work around your class schedule! No Saturday or Sundays, off during the holidays. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Must be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should come by our office located in the MSC, Suite 400, from 8am-4pm, ask to speak with Joseph.

REAL ESTATE CS 2810 Jennifer, 4/2.5/2, shuttle, $172,000 REDUCED; Michael, TAMU'93 Civil Engineering, 979-739-2035; Nadia 979-777-6211, mail@nadiarealty.com Town&Country Realty. Hablamos Espanol!

ROOMMATES Male roommate needed, 4/4 University Place condo, W/D, private bath, pool, on shuttle, student community, $350/room, Call 979-690-8213.

the

battalion Classified Advertising Easy Affordable Effective For information, call 845-0569

SPORTS The Battalion | 4.3.19

2 1

Cassie Sricker — THE BATTALION

1. Sophomore designated hitter Will Frizzell celebrates. 2. Junior shortstop Braden Shewmake recorded four outs. 3. The Aggies and Longhorns shake hands after the game. 4. Junior catcher Mikey Hoehner hit a two run homerun. 5. Sophomore pitcher Dustin Saenz pitched six innnings. 6. An Aggie in the stands put up the “horns down” sign. 7. The Aggies gather before the game to pray.

BASEBALL CONTINUED Shewmake, giving the Aggies the 5-1 lead. In the opening frame of the game, Texas took the lead after Ryan Reynolds singled to center, allowing Austin Todd to score. A&M responded in the top of the second inning after Ducoff homered to left field, swinging at the first pitch of the at-bat. Ty Coleman singled

SOFTBALL CONTINUED “It’s been nice to see our kids tonight really take over a game,” Evans said. “We felt like it was a game that we needed to come in and take charge. Once we got through the second inning of the first game, I felt like we were really running on all cylinders offensively.” Junior pitcher Payton McBride had three RBIs in game two for A&M, also adding two runs on three hits and the Aggies’ lone homer

to center, which set up Hoehner’s two-run home run. Blake then singled, which allowed Foster to score, giving A&M the 4-1 lead early in the game. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Dustin Saenz earned the start for the Aggies. Saenz had a season best 6.0 innings pitched. The lefty struck out four batters, gave up four hits and walked three.

According to Childress, he decided to take Saenz out of the game after six innings because this was the first time he had pitched this many innings in a game. However, Childress said he thought Saenz pitched a solid game, especially in an environment like Texas. “The guy was magnificent,” Childress said. “Probably his best performance in a Texas A&M uniform. I couldn’t be more proud of

that guy.” Saenz said the storied history between the two teams played into his performance on the mound as well as helping fuel the rest of the team. “You can’t beat this,” Saenz said. “Big time Texas rivalry. I fed off that really well. I was on attack the whole game, and I think we grabbed the momentum.”

of the night. A&M’s five sacrifice flies in the first game set a school record for the most in a single game. The Aggies’ previous record was four against Monmouth on Feb. 28, 2009. Junior outfielder Kelbi Fortenberry accounted for two. The Aggies added four sacrifice flies in their game two win. Five Aggies recorded two hits each in game one. Baylee Klingler, McBride, Dani Elder, Garcia and Morgan Smith combined for A&M’s 10 hits.

After A&M fell behind early 1-0, Garcia kicked off scoring for the Aggies following a sacrifice fly to left field by Fortenberry. The Aggies used two runs in the fourth inning and two in the fifth to take a 5-1 lead over the Tigers. Sophomore pitcher Kayla Poynter notched eight strikeouts from the mound, allowing only three hits and one run to help A&M to an 8-1 win. Evans said Poynter’s performance will help her confidence in future series.

“She threw well,” Evans said. “She cut down on her walks today (two) and went after hitters, settled in nicely after the first inning. I thought she showed good presence on the mound.” The Aggies will return to SEC play with a three-game weekend series against No. 12 Georgia at the Jack Turner Stadium. First pitch on Friday is set for 5 p.m., both game two and three will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All games will be televised on the SEC Network.